I'm glad you thought my story was slightly cool and I'm almost too in love with my reindeer pajama pants that my Grammy got me for Christmas last year. I'm not gonna lie and say that I don't wear them on chilly nights in the middle of July..
stay tuned for a surprise at the end of this post :)
about a month or two ago I officially introduced you to my number one taste tester, also known as my sister or just Jenna. well with that being said check out this comment I got on my post a couple of days ago..
step 1. get out your bowl (make sure it's microwave safe) and measuring tools (I'm sure if you need them Deej will pick some up at the dollar store for you)
step 2. put 1/2 cup of oats in the bowl, like so..
step 3: add in LOTS of cinnamon and a good amount of Splenda (because I know you like things sweet) don't judge me when I say this people (but just grab a bunch of Splenda packets from the 7-11 near you) and use about 2 of those packets. IF you have vanilla extract then put a little splash in there. You want them to be sweet because you won't like them if they're not (I know you won't)
**now in these oats I didn't use canned pumpkin because well my hands are orange enough and I needed a break BUT if you want to make them pumpkiny (like the ones I made for you last weekend) then right now would be the time you would put 1/3 cup canned pumpkin in.**
step 4: add in your liquids girl! in these particular oats I put 1 cup of already made coffee but for you, you can do that OR put 1 cup of water or 1/2c milk & 1/2 water. It's up to you really. stir stir stir!
step 5: put in microwave for 1 1/2 - 2 minutes. If it's still liquidy when you take it out then throw it back in for another 30 seconds or so until they're creamalicious. Let it sit for a few minutes while you get out your add ins.
step 6: add in your favorite things! In this bowl I chopped up an apple and mixed it in with some PB2 (that powdery peanut butter we have at home). So you can be as creative or uncreative as you want. Chop up half a banana and add in 1 tablespoons of peanut butter OR if you're using Better N Peanut Butter then use 2 tablespoons.
step 7: swirl ALL the yummyness together and enjoy :) then call me and tell me how much you love me and how fabulous I am.
sorry guys that was rude. MOST of you already know how to do this so I apologize for my rudeness.
don't you all think Jenna should do a guest post on her first experience making oatmeal...
come on tell her she should maybe even Deej would make an appearance too...!
On a different note. I wish that I had a better picture because my salad for dinner last was off the hizzy. and yes I just said hizzy.
Deej and I had hit up TJs before dinner last night so you know what happens when you go food shopping before dinner...
stay tuned for a surprise at the end of this post :)
about a month or two ago I officially introduced you to my number one taste tester, also known as my sister or just Jenna. well with that being said check out this comment I got on my post a couple of days ago..
-
morningg its your sister jenna!! as much as i enjoyed this thorough analysis of luna bars i have a request. can you some how post the recip for the oatmeall! i am a starving college student remember! oh and maybe gave deej pick up the ingreeds pleaseee thanks a bunchh
- welp, Jen. you ask and you shall receive! I do want to say for the record this this girl (my sister) keeps her toaster on her desk at school..
step 1. get out your bowl (make sure it's microwave safe) and measuring tools (I'm sure if you need them Deej will pick some up at the dollar store for you)
step 2. put 1/2 cup of oats in the bowl, like so..
step 3: add in LOTS of cinnamon and a good amount of Splenda (because I know you like things sweet) don't judge me when I say this people (but just grab a bunch of Splenda packets from the 7-11 near you) and use about 2 of those packets. IF you have vanilla extract then put a little splash in there. You want them to be sweet because you won't like them if they're not (I know you won't)
**now in these oats I didn't use canned pumpkin because well my hands are orange enough and I needed a break BUT if you want to make them pumpkiny (like the ones I made for you last weekend) then right now would be the time you would put 1/3 cup canned pumpkin in.**step 4: add in your liquids girl! in these particular oats I put 1 cup of already made coffee but for you, you can do that OR put 1 cup of water or 1/2c milk & 1/2 water. It's up to you really. stir stir stir!
step 5: put in microwave for 1 1/2 - 2 minutes. If it's still liquidy when you take it out then throw it back in for another 30 seconds or so until they're creamalicious. Let it sit for a few minutes while you get out your add ins.
step 6: add in your favorite things! In this bowl I chopped up an apple and mixed it in with some PB2 (that powdery peanut butter we have at home). So you can be as creative or uncreative as you want. Chop up half a banana and add in 1 tablespoons of peanut butter OR if you're using Better N Peanut Butter then use 2 tablespoons.step 7: swirl ALL the yummyness together and enjoy :) then call me and tell me how much you love me and how fabulous I am.
sorry guys that was rude. MOST of you already know how to do this so I apologize for my rudeness.don't you all think Jenna should do a guest post on her first experience making oatmeal...
come on tell her she should maybe even Deej would make an appearance too...!
On a different note. I wish that I had a better picture because my salad for dinner last was off the hizzy. and yes I just said hizzy.
Deej and I had hit up TJs before dinner last night so you know what happens when you go food shopping before dinner...
In the mix:- LOTS of spinach
- tomato
- red bell pepper
- green bell pepper
- brussel sprouts & eggplant steamed and tossed with TJs 21 Seasoning Mix (which EVERYBODY should get)
- yellow and green zukes
- boca burger
- Laughing Cow cheese wedge
- 1 tbsp TJs White Bean & Basil humdiddy (holy yumdiddy) they should call it yummus.
- more 21 seasoning mix
- & because all of that wasn't enough, I drizzled TJs Italian Tuscany dressing on top.
i'm happy to report that this year our family will be decorating a brussel sprout tree for the holidays instead of your standard christmas tree.i wish.
now. since you all were so patient in reading my ultra boring instructions for how to make the easiest thing in the world. i figured a reward would be tres neccessaire.
i don't know about you but for me this week i've been on extreme auto pilot mode and what's the perfect way to get out of auto pilot mode? destress.
so here's your chance to sit back, relax, have an oikos & enjoy a Stonyfield sponsered spa package!
in the giveaway:- 4 free oikos coups
- a reuseable Oikos tote bag
- & the "Take 5" Anti Stress spa kit from Earth Theraputics (which includes a loofah massage sponge, Anti-Stress massage soap, a body brush, Anti-Stress massage lotion and a soothing gel eye mask)
4 ways to enter:
1. leave a comment on this post with one or more tips for my sister for healthy college eating or other ways to make oatmeal.
2. leave a seperate comment with your go-to solution to destress after a crazy week.
3. link back! and leave a seperate comment with the link :) OR if you don't have a blog then just shoot me an email at juliegoleanATgmailDOTcom
4. tweet tweet about this giveaway!
giveaway ends WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 18TH!
i'll announce the winner on Thursday :)
good luck and na-moo-ste!
1. leave a comment on this post with one or more tips for my sister for healthy college eating or other ways to make oatmeal.
2. leave a seperate comment with your go-to solution to destress after a crazy week.
3. link back! and leave a seperate comment with the link :) OR if you don't have a blog then just shoot me an email at juliegoleanATgmailDOTcom
4. tweet tweet about this giveaway!
giveaway ends WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 18TH!
i'll announce the winner on Thursday :)
good luck and na-moo-ste!
I use instant oatmeal when I travel or when I'm in a place that doesn't have a stove. It's delicious and filling!
ReplyDeleteI destress by not setting my alarm. I don't normally sleep much later, but it's so nice to just wake up when my body says to.
ReplyDeleteAnd I tweeted :)
ReplyDeleteAlthough it may seem pricey at first, having a mini fridge in your dorm room is really great in the long run. You can keep yogurt, fresh fruits and veggies around all the time :)
ReplyDeleteAnd a great way that I de-stress is to take 15 minutes to do some nice long stretches, then a hot shower, and then some time on the couch with a good book and a mug of hot tea.
ReplyDeleteI always add a mushed up banana to my oatmeal. It makes it extra creamy and I get a serving of fruit in.
ReplyDeletehaha I love Jenna -- particularly because of her name?! peer pressure her in to doing a guest post!
ReplyDeletenot quite sure why that miscellaneous question mark made in appearance up thurr ^^.. my B!
ReplyDeleteI'm in college, so I know all about healthy eating challenges. Late night study sessions with vending machines close by? Ugh. I say: always keep fruit handy. Apples, oranges, grapes, bananas, pears, peaches, apricots. Whatever your favorite is. They will satisfy a sweet craving and they're good for you!
ReplyDeleteAlso, little tip for the oats--add a pinch of salt or salt-substitute along with the splenda and cinnamon. It adds just the right amount of savor.
YAY! Thanks for the How To!!!
ReplyDeleteAnd my favorite way to de-stress at the end of a long week is: Tai Chi followed by a quick shower, toss on some sweats, make a cup of tea, and curl up on the couch with my favorite blanket and an old movie! Movies I suggest: Holiday (different from Holiday Inn), Bringing Up Baby, The Philadelphia Story, Charade, Suspicion, Rear Window, The Caddy, Two for the Road, How to Steal a Million...my list goes on and on
ReplyDeletethanks for the tutorial girl! & delicious eats :) love your blog
ReplyDeletexoxo
shell
Make the microwave work for you: eggs and sweet potatoes are two of my go-to microwave meals..perfect for college life! :)
ReplyDeleteDestress solution: warm bath, night at home vegging out on tv, basically doing whatever I want!
ReplyDeleteTell your sis to buy some PB2 and add it at the beginning of the oat process (with extra water to compensate). Then top it with some form of chocolatey goodness! She can thank me later ;)
ReplyDeleteFavorite way to destress? WINE.
ReplyDeleteNoMooSte!
ReplyDeleteFavorite way to destress- work out!
I wish I liked salad I tried today, but I just can't stand it! I prefer zee veggies cooked.
For your sister:
ReplyDeleteYou can add almost anything to your oats to make them scrumptous. I reccommend nut butters, banannas, carob chips, dried fruit, or anything else your little heart desires :)
ahh to destress aftera crazy week...I always like to workout...a nice run or spin class is the best stress reliever for me!! whenevver I feel stressed, I turn to exercise!
ReplyDeleteI like to destress with a long bath. I've even falled asleep before! It's sooo relaxing. Then I curl up in a huge blanket and watch a chick flick with my sisters. Total stress relief :)
ReplyDeletenow, as for your sister...she should try overnight oats! it saves a ton of time in the morning and they are SO good! I made some last night
ReplyDelete1/2 C oats
1/2 C almond or skim milk or water (or combo of all)
greek yogurt or cottage cheese
let it sit overnight!
in the morning...add in all tthe goodies! I add some frozen berries, bananas, cinnamon, truvia and PB!!! the options are endless!
I also blogged about your giveaway! :)http://freckledfoodie.wordpress.com/2009/11/13/tgif/
ReplyDeletei'm in college too...my healthy college tip is to shop at trader joe's and farmers markets if you can. they're so much cheaper and you can get great fresh and/or organic fruits and veggies!
ReplyDeleteand i like to destress by drinking tea and and watching tv with my sister =)
ReplyDelete1) In college, be sure to have healthy bars and snacks on hand. I always had instant oat packets and Kashi cereal, fruit, bread and turkey in my mini fridge, and other bars. I would get salads for the dining hall along with stir fry. Do not give in to 3 in the morning drunk pizza!
ReplyDelete2) Destress by going to a park (if it is not out) and walking around enjoying nature. If it is cold, go treat yourself to a mani, pedi, and massage!
ReplyDelete3) I tweeted!
ReplyDeletealways have emergency snacks with you whenever or wherever she goes in college~
ReplyDeletei do yoga and meditation~
ReplyDeletejunghwa-chung@hotmail.com
I add a little fiber one original to my oatmeal - added fiber and a little crunch
ReplyDeletemy go-to destressing activity is curling up in bed with a good book and just taking a little 'me' time!
ReplyDeleteLOVE the oatmeal how to! ANd what a fun giveaway. Other healthy tips, buy healthy soups (like V8) keep frozen veggies on hand to bulk it up!
ReplyDeleteto destress=exercise or starbucks ;)
ReplyDeleteAww, what a good sister you are! I would say watch out for night time munchies. Try to keep healthy foods in the dorm so you aren't forced to eat crap when you are bored or stressed. Also, take advantage of the awesome GYM! If, of course, her school has one :) Which they usually do. I wish I could still go to the OSU or Miami gym!
ReplyDeleteI tweeted
ReplyDeleteFave destress thing? Teaching yoga, practicing yoga, making things in the kitch, reading books/mags/blogs, shopping!
ReplyDeletelinking back tonite in my post :)
ReplyDelete1/3 c oats, 2/3 c water, 2 mins in the micro. Then add banana, cinn & sugar, nut butter, whatever floats your boat or you have on hand. Cheap, fast, easy. Healthy.
ReplyDeleteAs far as healthy college eatings, eggs can always be microwaved, also there are microwave steamers that are great for doing veggies. And as always if it looks good, abuse the salad bar whenever possible.
ReplyDeleteI always stock up on organic energy bars as a quick go to snack when in classes.
ReplyDeleteAnd to destress I find curling up in bed with a good book helps relax me...
ReplyDeleteHaha, a Brussels sprout tree for Christmas is a great idea! ; )
ReplyDeleteHealthy college tip for Jenna: stock up on fruits & veggies that have a good shelf life and don't need a lot of fuss like apples :)
ReplyDeletego to solution for a crazy week is a nice glass of wine!
ReplyDeleteYou are adorable with your tutorial. Jenna has a great teacher! :)
ReplyDeleteOMG girl, you know I love my Oikos. My best advice for Jenna??? SWEET POTATOES!!! Honestly, I've been living off sweet potatoes and squash lately... they are both so amazing baked, or as "fries". Add all the topping your heart desires. Nut butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, agave nectar, etc.
xxoo
Heather
I love renting a good movie that's out during the week and spending an evening snuggling on the couch with a blanket and the remote. Also, yoga is my go-to for stress relief all the time! LOVE IT!
ReplyDeletexxoo
Heather
TWEETED!
ReplyDeletexxoo
Heather
I hear ya on orange hands! I've been skipping the pumpkin recenetly (except for the past few days) cause my hands were like, hunting vest neon orange.
ReplyDeleteMy tips for healthy college eating are to have easy and healthy meals available--I like making a lot of veggie soup one night and having the rest over the week, or freezing some and having it a few months later. This works for healthy pancakes, too! I also like to have healthy snacks around, like apples and yogurt instead of chips and cookies :)
My absolute fave way to destress is to get a massage! Popcorn and movies/tv marathons are good too, though ;)
ReplyDeleteTweeted here: http://twitter.com/defygravity425/status/5700107586 :)
ReplyDeleteHealthy college eating- always check the salad bar first! They offer the freshest and healthiest options...MOST of the time!
ReplyDeleteAnd de-stressing after a long week? I'm an avid coffee drinker, so setting my pot to start brewing in the morning means I wake up to the smell of coffee, and a reason to get out of bed =)
ReplyDeleteI cut up apples and put them in a resealable bag for a snack when i go to class :) Yogurts, wraps, and grapes are all great too for healthy college eating! :)
ReplyDeleteFavorite way to destress is to put on my comfy pjs, turn on The Hills on my laptop, and munch on a yummy snack. I think i'm going to do that right now! lol
ReplyDeleteGot it mentioned and linked on my blog now.
ReplyDeleteMy fave destress these days is to look out at the ocean, but I also love to curl up and read a book.
ReplyDeleteI like to add a couple of tablespoons of cooked chunked apple and a 1/4 tsp. of cinnamon to Scottish Oats.
ReplyDeleteCollege eating? Carry High fiber / high protein bars in your purse. DON'T EAT THE MYSTERY MEAT!
Take the stairs.
Will be TWEETING and leaving a link at Facebook for you!
Destressing after a long week? I grab a handful of bathsalts, and draw a hot bath, put on my Edith Piaf CDs, and just relax for about a half hour. Stress gone.
ReplyDeleteOkay! It's TWEETED, FACEBOOKED, and linked in the CONTEST / GIVEAWAY box on my blog's sidebar!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway!
http://gatheringmyroses.blogspot.com
My fave way to destress is a good run...or candles + yoga!
ReplyDeleteFor your sister: I would recommend stocking up on healthy snacks that are good for on the go. Things like fruit and healthy snack bars.
ReplyDeleteI Tweeted! (@butterjessfly)
ReplyDeleteFavorite way to destress: Take a nice bubble bath, light candles, and listen to Enya!
ReplyDeletei want i want i want. tell your sis that hummus and dip-ables are the perf easy peasy healthy meal. also, has she ever seen that peta book for college kids? i think its got pretty good ideas for the vegan on the go (not that she has to be vegan to use it though...).
ReplyDeletethis may sound dumb, but long showers are my total de-stress activity. if i werent concerned about wasting water, id take hour long showers, for reals
ReplyDeleteMix an egg or 2 egg whites into your oats. Delicious, creamy, filling goodness!
ReplyDeleteTo destress - just forget all about work or schoolwork for ONE NIGHT. Watch a movie, crappy TV, read a book, or go out with the girls!!
ReplyDeleteNot sure where you sister goes to school but In college and even afterwards I shop at ALDI's. They have the same foods as grocery stores but it is much cheaper. Plus I learned to only buy what I was going to actually use that way I didnt waste money.
ReplyDeleteI would go to farm markets and get my fruits and vegetables. I found that eating more apples or bananas made me feel better and were not as expensive as chips or other snacks.
I also made easy mac and cheese casseroles - elbow noodles with a can of crushed tomatoes, beef and cheese made a lot of food that i could eat for dinner all week. You dont need to include the meat - you can add cheese with milk.
To destress - I either take a walk and get away from what is stressing me out. If at work I have a problem I cant solve I will go and walk around to the bathroom or someplace to just clear my head then come back 5 minutes later and try again.
ReplyDeleteOr running helps - Just a slow 2 mile job really clears my head and makes me feel better!
Healthy tips: get a mini fridge and stock it with veggies, fruit, hummus, and other healthy things. That way if you need a snack, you can grab an apple instead of Doritos. Also - get plenty of sleep and exercise!
ReplyDeleteAnd oatmeal? Check it out: http://fruitsveggieslife.wordpress.com/recipes/oatmeal-variations/
Go to destress? Curling up with a mug of tea and a cheesy vampire book.
ReplyDeleteTwitter tweet! http://twitter.com/memmalo/status/5744948754
ReplyDeleteMy best tip for staying healthy in college is to stay active. The occasional late night pizza won't have such an impact if you are working out regularly!
ReplyDeletei linked back
ReplyDeletewww.ericarunning.com
Ahhh yes, the squash pasta. I have yet to try it! You look like you totally nailed the tofu girl…I’m drooling just looking at it. I love mine slathered with BBQ sauce and grilled! SO GOOD. Good for you for hitting up spin!! I know that class kicks my butt all the time and it’s a little hard to motivate myself to go. How do you do it??? *sigh* I need jules as my personal trainer/motivator.
ReplyDeleteOh man! I totally posted that on the wrong section..delete that comment!? hahah
ReplyDeleteMy entry is...my way to not overdo it in college is to hang out with people who won't pressure you to drink if you don't want to!!!! In other words, make friends who respect your boundaries. Peer pressure is HUUUUGe in college, so I'm glad I have pals who know when to stop. :)
One of my favourite oatmeal tips is to add half a scoop (15g) of Jay Robb protein powder (I usually use the vanilla whey variety). It tastes good and it really makes the oats feel more substantial. And who doesn't need more protein?
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the opportunity! I just figured out a perfect way to make oatmeal in the microwave! First, I mix 1/2c. oats, 3/4c. water, 1/2c. pumpkin(optional), andcinnamon or pumpkin pie spice together in a bowl. Next, I set my mircowave to 50% power and cook the oatmeal for 4 minutes, stirring once half way through. Then I add the toppings like banana slices, nut butter, raisins, apples, coconut butter, the list goes on!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite way to de-stress after a crazy week is to cuddle up with a good book, blanket, some dark chocolate, and hot tea!
ReplyDeletegrab some friends, a movie and some healthy but yummy snacks!
ReplyDeleteHere's my lazy college girl way of making yummy oatmeal: I use Quaker instant oatmeal. Yes,I know I know- but you can add all your mix ins the same way you would with other oats! Also- I freeze canned pumpkin in 1/4 cup portions for purposes such as this. Just heat that up, add the oatmeal, and then add enough hot water to cook/warm it up (you'll probs need less than you would if you didn't have other stuff in there). I also like adding banana or peanut butter... and instant oats in a jar! :)
ReplyDeleteThough maybe I'll give this microwave method a go sometime 'cause it does look ALMOST as easy ;) haha
And my go to destressing activities are usually watching grey's anatomy and reading foodie blogs ;) haha
ReplyDeleteId recommend your sis stock up on canned beans, tuna pouches, oats and microwave brown rice, plus a microwave. It makes grabbing fresh veggies from the dining hall and then piling on the proteins much easier
ReplyDeleteWhen I need to destress I love just going for a long walk or run, by myself, no music just me and my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteI definitely de-stress by doing yoga and deep breathing, whether on my own or in a class. Love it!
ReplyDeleteIt is soo hard to eat healthy in college sometimes! I would recommend having a large salad or broth based, veggie soup with at least one meal a day. (Eat this first!) These are easy to make and will help you fill up instead of splurging.
ReplyDelete